How a Designer Restored an Old House in London

The British bureau Janine Stone & Co. often works with Russian clients and knows their tastes, but in this case, besides the owner's wishes, the bureau head Janine Stone was forced to follow the guidelines of the Historical Heritage Protection Act.

Brits strictly ensure that historical urban environments are not destroyed. The law protects not only architectural and historical monuments but also old buildings that give charm to central districts.

The house built during the Regency period, that is, in the early nineteenth century, automatically falls under the category of protected by law buildings, and it is not allowed to renovate it without permission from local authorities.

To proceed as is sometimes done in Russia — that is, start construction and then try to coordinate the changes — is impossible in London. First, one must obtain permission from the relevant commission and only then begin work. And it is advisable to limit changes to historical layouts.

Janine managed to find a balance between old and new: the house turned out completely modern, although the room layout remains traditional for London. The kitchen was moved from the basement to the first floor, closer to the dining room.

The basement houses the home cinema, guest room, and utility rooms. From here one can access a charming small garden in the inner courtyard.

The first floor, apart from the kitchen and dining room, includes a children's playroom, office, and living room with access to a sunny terrace. Upper floors contain bedrooms and children's rooms — there are three children in the family.

Furniture was purchased from suppliers with whom Janine regularly works and delivered to London from various continents. Some items were custom-made — for example, a record cabinet for vinyl records which the owner collects.

He has another hobby — he is a passionate chess player. Therefore, next to the living room there is also a chess room with parquet-lined walls. An antique chess table and vintage chess pieces were brought from Germany by Janine — in her opinion, the interior would not look fully completed without them.